Digital Photo Frame Guide

Let's begin by taking a look at what a digital photo frame is, and why you may want to buy one. A digital photo frame, or picture frame as it is often times called is a device that allows you to display you digital photos in an LCD display that look just like a standard wooden or acrylic picture frame. The digital frame allows you to upload pictures from your desktop computer or a notebook laptop usually via a USB cable or wirelessly right onto the built-in memory of the digital picture frame.

You can then view your digital photo one at a time or with the features that are available on most frame you can view them as a slide show. The software that is usually available on LCD picture frames provides the ability to add transitional effects between the photos in the slide show.

Folks usually buy digital picture frames so that they show off their favorite photos quickly and easily without the need to have to print them out. Some people will buy a digital frame so that they can use it to market their business. This is often seen in a restaurant where dishes are prepared and photographed and then presented somewhere on the premises. This is an excellent marketing use of a digital photo frame and it can be used in many places other than just food establishments, for example spas, hair salon, etc.

There are several key features that you will want to consider prior to making a decision on the type of brand of digital photo frame that you wish to purchase. Let take a quick look at some of them.

Aspect Ratio

The aspect ration is nothing more than the relationship between the width and the length of the display. There basically two common aspect ratios to consider. The 4:3 and the 16:9 or widescreen ratio. The 4:3 aspect ratio allows you to view the 4 by 6 inch photos without any added distortion whereby the 16:9 is widescreen is good for HD formatted photos.

Design Feature

Do keep in mind where and how you intend to place your frame. Choose one that is designed to fit your existing decor and is inline with your taste. Do remember that most digital photo frames will require an electrical outlet so make sure you place your where one is easily accessible.

Other Features Worth Considering

Here is where we can go craxy spending money so it's wise to carefully consider whether any of these features are really needed.

Bluetooth allows you to send photos to your display from your mobile device. Editing allows you to crop, resize, rotate photo etc. Multimedia capabilities allow you to play videos, and MP3 fiels. most frames have slideshow capabilities. while the better ones provide additional options within the slidesho mode such as transition effects, speed of show etc.

Other features include print, RSS adding a monitor, and wireless capabilities. Again it's easy to spend more than you have to by buying a frame that has more feature than you need, so be wise here.

File Type and Image Transfer

There are several ways of getting your digital photo unto the frame. When you take a look at frames you are considering check out the options it offers to transfer images. Usual offerings include but are not limited to USB, wireless, memory cards, thumb drives, or wireless.

Also ensure the digital picture frames supports the media format you are trying to transfer. Typical media types include JPEG, MP3, PNG, BMP, MPEG-4, MPEG-1 and several others.

Check out how much memory comes with the frame. The more on board memory the more images you can store on the frame.  Also note the type of memory card that is compatible with the frame you may be looking to buy.

Screen Resolution

This is the specification that in my opinion will make or break a digital picture frame. You want the highest screen resolution that you money can buy. A 7-inch frame will usually be 720 by 480 pixels, and any digital frame larger than fifteen inches should have at a minimum a screen resolution of 1600 by 12000 pixels.

In conclusion, if you are in the market for a digital photo frame please consider the above features and specs before you decide on any particular frame. You'll be glad you did.